1. Sun
2. Beach (Water)
3. Lots of Food
(Don’t forget the barbeque)
4. family and friends

Optional : radio

WE all had to wake up at 4 am, including the kids. By 5:30 am we were all on the road to Matabungkay. Roughly 100 km away from Manila, without the traffic the travel plus the stopovers would last for 3 hours. Taking the South superhighway and getting off the Sta. Rosa exit was the best way to go to avoid the traffic at Aguinaldo Highway. It is always a scenic route having to pass by Tagaytay. The roads were smooth.

Matabumgkay is located in the town of Lian, Batangas, As legend says, the name of the town came about when a conquering Spaniard setting foot on the shores for the first time asked a Chinese trader for the name of the place. The trader , thinking he was being asked for his name, replied “Li-an”. Formerly a quiet fishing village, it has now transformed into a major spot for budget tourist and local vacationers.

Out of several resorts in Matabungkay, we chose Tan-Awan Beach resort. Parking was free and you were immediately met by a caretaker who would ask you if you are staying overnight. For a day’s stay the floating raft was the most popular attraction. Single and family rooms are available for overnight or whole-day stays.

The beach was surprisingly clean despite the population boom in the area. A karaoke from a nearby resort was providing all the music everybody can possibly want. You get used to the loud music and singing voices after a while. The water was clear and you can see the sea floor, shells, small crabs, a school of small fish : all indicators of a still relatively healthy environment.

We all boarded our raft and made sure we had everything we needed. The manongs pushed the raft out to deeper waters even when 50 meters away from the shore the water was still waist deep. There was an atoll a few more meters away but we were afraid of undercurrents which Matabungkay is known for.

Be sure to wear your sunscreen. The sun wasn’t particularly kind that day. We saw in a nearby raft a man enjoying himself so much that he looked liked a cooked lechon. We shuddered at the thought of sunburn pain he would surely feel once he gets home. We numbered to about 18 and the raft could still take in more people. The kids had a grand time seeing a school of fish and chasing a crab under the raft.

Two hours before lunch we had to start the barbeque. Yes, the raft had a built in barbeque pit. We nonetheless forgot to bring newspapers to start the fire but trained scouts from my family used dried seaweeds to use as kindling. First the pork barbeque, then the sugbang isda. My uncle had made his own kinilaw and we just washed the veggies and gutted the fish right on the water (of course, no soap).

Aside from the sugba we had the customary adobong baboy at manok, itlog na pula, pakbet, enseladang ampalaya and lots of fruits.

Catching a nap in the raft would be considered an art form considering the number of people on the raft, and the racket they were making. But the sea breeze won out and I was lulled to sleep at the only dry place I could find …..the bags storage area! I slept while the rest preferred to bask in the sun and take full advantage of the water.

Before the day ended, everybody had been in the water except for the lolas. The kids now had swimsuit marks on their backs and hints of sunburn. We had to ask the manongs to bring us back to shore amidst the kids’ protestations. Back on the shore, there were common bathroom areas where you can rinse off before going back to Manila.

On the way back, there was heavy traffic in Tagaytay. Everybody was falling asleep one after another.

The picnic by the beach was an inexpensive way to have clean wholesome fun where all members of the family can participate and fully enjoy each other’s company.

It has been ages since my family went to a beach picnic. It was fun.